Controversial Amendment in Iraq: Potential Impact on Women’s Rights
In a move that has raised significant concern, Iraqi lawmakers are considering an amendment that could drastically alter the legal landscape for women’s rights in the country. The proposed legislation aims to lower the legal marriage age for girls to just 9 years old, sparking fears of legalizing child exploitation.
The legislative initiative, largely backed by Shia Muslim politicians, poses a threat to existing women’s rights, including critical aspects such as divorce, child custody, and inheritance. At the heart of this debate is the potential dismantling of Iraq’s “personal status law,” known as Law 188, recognized for its progressive approach since its introduction in 1959. This law currently provides a standardized set of regulations governing family matters for all Iraqis, regardless of their religious affiliations.
Proponents of the amendment push for a system where religious laws could preside over personal issues without the need for judicial intervention. According to Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, the amendment is a strategic move by Shia Islamist factions to consolidate power and reaffirm their ideological stance. Mansour noted in an interview with The Telegraph that, “It’s the closest it’s ever been. It has more momentum than it’s ever had, primarily because of the Shia parties.”
This legislative proposal has already passed a second reading on September 16, marking significant progress after similar attempts in 2014 and 2017 were thwarted by strong opposition from women’s groups in Iraq. Organizations like Human Rights Watch have expressed grave concerns regarding the potential negative impact on women and children. Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at HRW, stated, “This draft personal status law flies in the faces of the Iraqi government’s legal commitments to protect women’s and girls’ rights,” as reported in a statement.
UNICEF’s April 2023 report highlights that approximately 28% of Iraqi women marry by the age of 18, with current laws allowing marriage for girls as young as 15 with parental and judicial approval. These marriages are prevalent in economically challenged, fundamentalist Shia areas where thousands of unregistered marriages occur, depriving girls and their offspring of essential services such as healthcare and education.
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, criticized the amendment for effectively legalizing child exploitation, attributing the push to “fundamentalist Islam,” as reported by CBN News. King emphasized the need for global intervention to oppose the legislation, urging people to contact their representatives and apply pressure on Iraqi lawmakers.
Protests and condemnation have erupted across Iraq, with demonstrations led by Coalition 188, a collective of female activists advocating against changes to Law 188. A protester, Al-Hassan, conveyed to The Telegraph that, “What they aspire to in parliament is not in the interest of society, but their personal interest.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
